By Monsi A. Serrano
Following the Hamas terrorists’ surprise and unprecedented attack on Israel’s cities and residential homes that killed more than 250 Israelis, injured more than 1600, and kidnapped more than 100 Israelis mostly elderly people, women, and children, and captured them as hostages in Gaza, Israel condemns the terror attack against their country.
Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said that it will defend itself and its people from these terrorists supported by its close and main supporter, Iran as they continue to fire rockets into Israel.
In the online media briefing, Fluss said that Israel continues to neutralize the terrorists who are currently concentrated in the Southern part of Israel and people are advised to stay at home while the situation is still uncertain. Schools are suspended until further notice from the government. As of this writing, there is no announcement of flight cancellation from Israel.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will have to respond to these attacks, initiating a large-scale operation after Hamas has practically announced war against Israel. Israel has the full right to respond and protect itself.
In this moment of anguish, we call on our friends and allies to express strong support for Israel and to condemn these terror attacks by Hamas. We expect the international community and our close allies to condemn terror and express support for Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens.
We appreciate the kind messages and support that Israel is receiving from our Filipino friends.
As we navigate these challenging times, a resounding message reverberates: Stand with Israel, condemn the attacks by Hamas, and reject terrorism unequivocally.
The Israeli envoy said that while the situation in Israel remains uncertain, he assured that their country will protect all foreigners living there including the more than 30,000 Overseas Filipino Workers.
Lastly, Ambassador Fluss expressed profound gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its statement of support to promote peace and condemn the terrorist attack. He further clarified that our enemies are the Hamas terrorists and their supporters and Israel has a very strong relationship with other GCC countries that have been peacefully coexisting with them through the years.